The SSR 2.0 Briefs series explores the ongoing evolution of the security sector reform concept, featuring concise critical commentary on key SSR themes, issues and cases. In line with the series’ name, SSR 2.0 Briefs are designed to advance 2nd Generation approaches to SSR that seek to overcome the challenges and deficiencies of more orthodox SSR, as defined by key documents like the OECD-DEC Handbook. The series adopts a wide definition of SSR, encompassing conventional security institutions, rule of law structures, legislative and executive government bodies, non-state security and justice actors, and civil society, among others.

The series is aimed at policy makers and practitioners and will seek to contribute to ongoing debates and provide practical recommendations for policy and programming. If you have an idea for an SSR 2.0 Brief, please contact us.

By examining the history and the different trajectories and models of governance and development for professional military education (PME) in transitional, fragile and conflict-affected countries, this brief uses new evidence and data on PME globally to provide a framework and reference point for innovative debates and discussion on the role and usefulness of military education in the context of security sector reform programming and security governance more broadly.

This brief argues that the inability of security sector reform to make a sustainable impact at both the national and community level must be addressed in order for it to contribute to the achievement of SDG 16. The brief provides a series of policy recommendations, framed as practical strategies for local engagement, to push SSR toward a more meaningful engagement with on the ground realities.

Despite a decade of police reform, the effectiveness of the Liberia National Police is still limited. Corruption, perceptions of insecurity, lack of resources and overlapping institutions are major challenges that still need to be dealt with. As this brief argues, a more problem-oriented, reflexive and flexible police reform process is required, including better communication and transparency.

Currently there is no policy guidance to address the DDR-CVE nexus. As this brief shows, there is a need for a new, innovative policy framework for DDR that better equips the concept to address the DDR-CVE challenge. A paradigm shift in policy is needed to reframe DDR as a conflict-prevention measure, rather than merely a post-conflict peacebuilding tool.

This brief examines the narrow window of opportunity for reforms in the Congolese security sector, arguing that there is a need for renewed and reinforced collaboration between Congolese and international partners. In particular, MONUSCO has an opportunity to grasp its long awaited role as a coordinator for SSR efforts, a role that ideally also should incorporate the DDR process.

This brief looks into the implementation of SSR in CAR, the deficiencies of its design, and the missteps made in its implementation. Its central finding is that the failure of the peacebuilding process in CAR was predestined, stemming from the earliest stages of SSR implementation in the country.